Bright as a shiny new penny. A long lasting, creamy cap leaves a lovely lace on the glass as it slowly disappears. A bountiful bouquet of treacle, freshly baked bread and burley tobacco makes big promise; on the palate, the beer delivers delicious dividends. Fruity and round malt tones up front are slightly sweet, subtle hops provide a beautiful farm-fresh balance to accompany vegetarian dishes like white and green asparagus with cauliflower panna cotta, though as a stand alone brew it is also outstanding.- Charles Finkel

What have they done to my Sawtooth? Those long-haired guys at Left Hand have taken one of my favorite session ales, fed it all kinds of extra malt and hops, made it a “double” and given it a professional wrestler’s name. To my relief, Chainsaw works, although now it’s suited for a snifter instead of a 20-ounce nonic. Flavor components — caramel, toffee, dark cherries, bright citrus, a touch of biscuit — woven into a nicely textured whole. Oh yeah, sneaky bitter.- Stan Hieronymus

Charles FinkelFounder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Stan HieronymusEditor at Realbeer.com, a professional journalist for 40 years and amateur brewer for 15, Hieronymus is the author of four beer books, including Brew Like a Monk.